16 Food Reasons Greeks Are Better At Life (PHOTOS)

Mar 04, 2014
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Updated
Mar 18, 2014

Flickr: divya

We have the Greeks to thank for so much of our modern day society. They paved the way for great philosophical minds to keep pushing us forward intellectually. They gave us the Olympic Games, and a desire to strive for athletic excellence. And, well, then there's democracy. Clearly, we owe a lot of who we are to Greece. We're thankful for all of it, but most of all, we're thankful for the feta.

The Greeks have singlehandedly shaped our modern society, and they have also -- and just as importantly -- shaped a way of eating that no country can rival. Not only is their cuisine swimming in fruity olive oil, drowned in red wine and full of mezedes, but it's also a diet that nutritionists across the board tout as theway to eat healthy. While we all try to eat like this, and happily so, the Greeks do it best. It's just their way of living, which explains why they're so much better at life than the rest of us.

1Two words: fried cheese

Flickr: Merle ja Joonas

All cheese, no bread necessary. In Greece, this grilled cheese is known as Saganaki. It's a yellow cheese -- usually Graviera -- that has a high melting point so it can stand up to being fried in a pan. It gets crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. It's basically everything cheese has ever wanted to be. But the Greeks don't stop there. They also eat Halloumi, a Cypriot cheese with a high melting point, that they grill and serve on top of salads or with watermelon. Trust us, you want all of this.

2Starbucks has got nothing on the Greek frappe.

Flickr: Tilemahos Efthimiadis

They did it first, and well, they do it best.

3They've turned eating LOTS AND LOTS of olive oil into a healthy pastime.

Flickr: avlxyz

We can never repay them for this.

4NO ONE makes a better salad, so don't even try.

Flickr: divya_

Greek salad has everything you need: feta, tomato, cucumber, oregano, olives and olive oil -- of course. So all you other salad makers can just go home. (Do you see that feta chunk?!)

5Wine comes first, water second.

Flickr: Signe Karin

Wine is not relegated to celebrations or holidays. No, the Greeks know that wine is an important part of one's daily diet, along with olive oil. And it has been since ancient Greek cuisine.

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6Feta is their national garnish.

Flickr: grongar

Who needs parsley sprigs when you have feta? The Greeks are smart enough to know that you can put it on just about everything.

7This is dessert.

Flickr: avlxyz

Hello, Loukoumades! These are a Greek donut soaked with honey, and they're served for special occasions. Jelly donuts have got nothing on these guys. They're even better than you can fathom they might be. Seriously. In ancient Greece, these deep fried dough balls were served to the winners of the Greek Olympics. That's how special they are.

8They've taken bar food to a whole new level.

Flickr: George M. Groutas

We're not talking chicken wings with fries, but small plates of crisp cucumbers, dishes with grilled octopus, saganaki, dips served with warm pita, small meatballs and so much more. It's known as meze, and it's almost always paired with ouzo, wine or beer.

9They've never let tentacles scare them.

Flickr: simononly

And we're forever grateful. Because when the Greeks grill octopus it turns into something we thought was only possible in our dreams.

10No one's pastry is as buttery, or as flaky, as their filo pastry.

Flickr: WilsonB

Each layer of filo is painted in butter, and each filo pastry is wrapped in many layers. So, you get the idea. Spinach pie, baklava, it makes only the best of things.

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11They've perfected the art of lingering over a meal.

Flickr: danielbuechele

Because they know that it's the best part of every day, so there is no logical reason to rush through it.

12Tzatziki is their ketchup.

Frank Lukasseck via Getty Images

Yes, yes and yes. Made of yogurt -- so it's healthy -- cucumbers, garlic, dill or mint, tzatziki is served alongside meat dishes and mezes.

13They know that food and drink tastes better when surrounded by friends and family.

Flickr: eblaser

In Greece, family is important. And food is important. So naturally, food with family is extremely important.

14Honey flows freer than the wine in Italy.

Martin Barraud via Getty Images

In desserts and on top of yogurt, their honey mainly comes from the nectar of fruit and citrus trees.

15Their land is reserved for only important crops: olives and grapes.

Flickr: Luigi Rosa has moved to Ipernity

For making olive oil and wine, of course. (Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but they do produce A LOT of wine and A LOT of olives.)

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16THE YOGURT

Clive Streeter via Getty Images

Guys, where would we be without Greek yogurt? Breakfast just wouldn't be the same. But while we eat Greek yogurt for breakfast, in Greece it's enjoyed as a dessert -- with honey, naturally.